ANNUAL REPORTS OF MEMBER CHAMPIONS
CONTENTS
MEMBER CHAMPION FOR THE ARMED FORCES
MEMBER CHAMPION FOR EQUALITIES AND DIVERSITY
MEMBER CHAMPION FOR THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
MEMBER CHAMPION FOR THE OVER 50’S
MEMBER CHAMPION FOR THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR
MEMBER CHAMPION FOR YOUNGER PERSONS
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE MEMBER CHAMPION FOR ARMED FORCES 2014/15
Flag Raising Ceremony & Armed Forces Day Parade
Flag raising ceremony on 23 June 2014 On Monday, 23 June, I attended the ceremony at Havering Council to honour the contribution of servicemen and women by raising a flag outside the Town Hall.
Armed Forces Day took place on Saturday 26th June 2014. A parade formed on South Street and marched from there to the Market Place. The parade featured veterans, cadets from the Army, Navy, Royal Air Force and many volunteer groups such as the St John Ambulance. It was an enjoyable day and was very well supported by the public
World War 1 Commemoration Events
In my role as Armed Forces Champion, I have been involved with the WW1 Centenary events, alongside Councillor Wallace as Cabinet Member for Culture and Community.
On Monday, 4 August 2014, a Multi-Faith Civic Service was held at St Edward’s Church Romford to mark the outbreak of the First World War. The service was led by Father Anderson and Rabbi Sunderland and was extremely well attended.
Havering Council has organised a range of on-going events to commemorate the First World War. The Local Studies Library and Havering Museum hosted a joint exhibition which ran from August to November, exploring the impact of War in Havering. Staff in the Local Studies and Family History Centre are also posting an online diary which will run throughout the duration of the First World War.
On Saturday, 25 April 2015 a special ANZAC Day memorial service was held at St Andrew’s Church in Hornchurch.
The Mayor attended the service along with Councillors and guest of honour, Kenneth Ryan, the First Secretary of the New Zealand High Commission. Approximately 200 members of the public were also present.
Following the service, wreaths were laid at the graves of four soldiers who served as part of the Maori troops.
Unveiling of the Rainham War Memorial, following restoration work
On 14th October 2014, I attended a service of re-dedication that took place at the Rainham War Memorial, following a programme of works to clean and restore the structure. The restoration work was part of a project in which Havering Council secured £86,000 from Veolia North Thames Trust for the Borough’s five main war memorials to be renovated.
The Mayor and other dignitaries led the service of commemoration and a reception was held afterwards in Rainham Church Parish Hall.
The Mayor speaking at the unveiling of the Rainham War Memorial
Army Reserves Campaign The Borough has been working with 151 Transport Regiment based in Warley in order to boost recruitment to the Army Reserves.
The recruitment drive included an advertising campaign on noticeboards, publicity in the Council’s “Living Magazine” and specially commissioned beermats which were distributed to all pubs in Havering. There will also be a stall at the Havering Show.
A new regiment, the 71 signals, will be moving to the Territorial Army Centre in London Road in the near future, which it is hoped will raise the profile of Army reserves in the Borough.
Armistice Day Parade and Service
Remembrance Sunday services across the borough saw thousands of people come together to honour the nation’s servicemen and women.
Services took place in Romford, Hornchurch, Elm Park, Upminster, Harold Hill, Harold Wood and Rainham.
Councillor Linda Trew, Mayor of Havering, laid a wreath on behalf of all Councillors and staff at Romford’s War Memorial in Coronation Gardens.
ANNUAL REPORT OF
THE CHAMPION FOR EQUALITIES & DIVERSITY
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE MEMBER CHAMPION FOR EQUALITIES & DIVERSITY 2014/15
The Council’s E&D activities for the forthcoming year are set out in the Single Equality Scheme Action Plan and Service Plans. These activities are monitored throughout the year by the Corporate Diversity Management Group (CDMG) and Services. This report highlights the main achievements in 2014-15.
Objective 1. Understanding the needs of Havering’s diverse communities
A Corporate Data Warehouse is being established, which is a central hub, providing access to various sources of data held within the Council’s databases and systems. There are three aspects to the Data Warehouse, a single property view (now available), a single customer view (incorporating data relating to the protected characteristics) and a single business view. This will enable the Council to better understand the make-up of Havering’s diverse communities and to better plan and deliver services to meet the needs of our residents.
The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) helps decision-makers to make informed decisions about healthcare and social services provision in Havering, ensuring that residents’ needs are addressed. To both inform and drive public health, healthcare and social care commissioning, further needs assessments were completed for drug and alcohol, sexual health and pharmaceutical services.
An Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) was undertaken to inform the tender for a new drug and alcohol service to address the changing local needs identified in the JSNA. No negative impacts were found for any of the protected characteristics, and analysis of users previously in treatment compared to the local population reporting substance abuse, found the new service to have a positive impact for the characteristics previously identified through a review of “neglected populations”. These included women; affluent drinkers and drug users; ethnic minorities; and older and isolated people. The new service will emphasise the current thinking and approach found in the national drug and alcohol strategy, which focuses on the recovery of the individual substance misusers.
Ethnic minority achievement ‘health checks’ were carried out in primary and secondary schools to highlight any inequalities and how they might be dealt with. These focused on gaps in attainment identified by Ofsted. Identified groups included gender, Special Educational Needs (SEN), first language and ethnicity. Training was also carried out in an online system which provides an interactive analysis of school and pupil performance data in terms of their achievements, attendance and behaviour, to help facilitate leaders in identifying achievement gaps and areas for improvement.
The Council is committed to engaging local residents in its decision-making processes. For example, a three-month consultation was carried out on budget saving proposals to inform the 2015-16 budget approved by Cabinet and full Council in February 2014; and an inclusive consultation task and finish group reviewed the Consultation Policy and Toolkit and made recommendations for improvement which are being implemented.
Objective 2. Improving the life chances for all, particularly for the most vulnerable
Supporting families of children with SENs was a priority for our Learning and Achievement service. The service is addressing children’s SENs in local mainstream provision by:
o Supporting schools in making provision for a range of needs, including but not limited to visual impairment, hearing impairment and language difficulties. o Developing a robust identification assessment and reviewing the processes in relation to the SENs of children and young people and the support they require to achieve positive outcomes. o Providing information, advice and guidance for families through our independent Parents in Partnership Service (PiPS) and the Havering Local Offer. o Promoting consultation and co-production with families of children and young people with SEN and/or disabilities (SEND) in order to shape services. o Seeking to commission services jointly with health commissioners, so that appropriate provision for children and young people with SEN are planned and delivered effectively and efficiently.
The national exemplification of the PiPS standards were once again met. These standards incorporate strict guidelines on giving advice, being at arm’s length and providing confidential evidence.
A number of corporate groups were established to strengthen partnership working, in order to meet the challenges of the implementation of Universal Credit and Digital Inclusion. In addition, partnership working was developed with external agencies such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), to prepare for the rollout of Universal Credit in February 2016, and the Mary Ward Legal Centre, who offer free independent and confidential debt advice to Council tenants.
The three-year Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy and action plan was approved. This covers key areas affecting women in the borough in line with the mayoral VAWG priorities.
The Sports Development team, in partnership with the School Sports Collective, organised a number of events to get people active. Specific events were tailored for disabled children and young people. Events included primary and secondary Panathlon and Boccia Competitions, Disability Swimming Gala, Disability Athletics Competition and Adaptive Indoor Rowing Competition. These were supported by Young Leaders who volunteered their time and learned new skills. The 'Inclusive and Active' Steering Group , involving SLM, YMCA, School Sport Collective and Havering Sports Council undertook an audit of sports provision for disabled people leading to a Para sport week in June 2014 and the production of a Para sport directory.
The School Sports Collective also supports schools to develop disability sports clubs and disability sport is becoming more embedded in school PE programmes. For example, there is now a Disability Multi Sport Club at Redden Court School, a Boccia Club at Cockhouse Primary School, and Blind Football and Sitting Volleyball at the Royal Liberty School.
Amy Marren,(aged 16), a sixth form student at the Campion School and Para swimming world and European record holder, trains with Romford Town Swimming Club. Amy now acts as a student champion for the School Sports Collective, providing an inspiring role model for disabled young people in the borough.
The Youth Facilitation team, who engage with some of our most disadvantaged and marginalised young people undertook the following initiatives:
o Delivered five SEN sessions from the myplace centre, Harold Hill and Robert Beard Youth House, Hornchurch, including a Swim and Gym session that encouraged young people with support needs to participate. o Engaged young people in a range of consultation events that enabled them to shape the services they were involved in. o Inspection of youth sessions by the young people’s peer inspection group, which provided young people an opportunity to measure the effectiveness of the services available to them. o Weekly outreach and street-based work, which ensured support services and positive activities were extended to young people who might face challenges in participating in existing services. o Ongoing partnership work to ensure a wider reach and added value to the ongoing work of partner agencies, including Rainham Royals and Romford YMCA. o Democracy work via youth councils and forums, including a new youth committee set up at the myplace centre and forums that enabled young people to be actively involved in the development of skate parks and the new Parkour/street running site in Central Park, Harold Hill.
Developed the Keys for Change scheme, aimed at 18-34 year olds who have been unemployed for up to nine months. The programme provided people (often from disadvantaged socio-economic groups) with support to find work and help with accommodation.
A free Handy Person Scheme carried out small carpentry and plumbing works for older, frail and disabled council tenants
Objective 3. Remove Barriers to accessing the Council’s Services
A task and finish group was set up in January 2015 to review the accessibility of Council services, facilities and buildings. Recommendations will be made to CDMG in July 2015 and actions incorporated in the 2015-16 Single Equality Scheme Action Plan.
A usability audit of the Council’s website was carried out by the Web Content team in October 2014. The audit identified a number of areas for improvement, which were addressed, including:
o An improved search function o Customised information to portal login pages and o A postcode lookup was added to help find your local councillor.
Translation and interpreting services, provided by The Language Shop, were monitored by the Corporate Policy & Diversity team to ensure that provision met the needs of local residents and services. Take-up of the service was reported to the Corporate Diversity Management Group (CDMG) on a quarterly basis, and service needs (e.g. Customer Services, Children’s Centres, etc.) were regularly reviewed. In July 2015, the Corporate Translation and Interpreting Policy will be refreshed to reflect demographic and policy changes.
Electoral Services met with local organisations supporting residents with Learning Disabilities to discuss ways to raise awareness of changes to the electoral register, and encourage residents with Learning Difficulties to register and vote, as part of their year round process. The Corporate Policy & Diversity team helped Electorate Services to develop Easy Read materials on changes to the electoral register, the importance of registering to vote and voting. The Communications team seconded one of their officers to help Electoral Services with their outreach work in the run up to the elections. The outreach work included providing accessible and inclusive information for websites and newsletters, providing posters about registration and presenting and attending drop-in sessions and meetings.
The Positive Parents Group, a parent forum for parents and carers of children and young people with disabilities and/or additional needs, volunteered their time to help the Parks team with the design for the restoration of Raphael Park. Following the forum’s feedback the park now includes special play equipment suitable for disabled children and a ‘Changing Places’ toilet facility suitable for both disabled children and adults. Many of the parks across the borough have inclusive play equipment that is suitable for disabled children.
The Public Advice and Service Centre (PASC) updated the way it serves residents, in line with the Council’s work towards modernising services and making them more accessible and inclusive. Self-serve pods are now available for customers to access some services without having to wait in a queue to speak to an advisor. A member of the Customer Services team is always on hand to assist customers. In October 2014, an appointments service for customers with enquiries relating to Council Tax and Benefits was introduced. These changes significantly reduced waiting times and improved customer service.
A customer satisfaction survey was offered to each customer at the end of each transaction. This was an automated feedback facility for customers to give their views on service delivery. This provided valuable information that was used to inform service improvements. Customer satisfaction was consistently high and met the 85% satisfaction target.
The Health and Safety Team are planning to make improvements to the communications systems in Mercury House by installing a PA system to ensure all staff can be communicated with in an emergency situation. The existing Major Incident Plan (MIP) evacuation plans are being further improved to include other emergencies e.g. bomb threats.
Objective 4. Promoting Community Relations and Civic Pride
Work on the Cultural Strategy 2015-18, which outlines how individuals and families can play a part in their community, commenced. A draft strategy will be available for consultation from July 2015.
Consultation on the Voluntary Sector Strategy was carried out between October 2014 and January 2015. This has been approved by Cabinet and will be published in June 2015.
A Discover Havering guide was published and distributed through the visitor centre and various events around the borough.
The Havering Show 2014 was delivered in August 2014 and attracted over 30,000 people on the Sunday which was the largest turnout for a single day in the events history.
Over 400 people attended the International Women’s Week event – ‘Saluting Women’. The event was a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements made over the previous year.
The Community Culture celebration event was a success, it showcased different cultural groups and provided residents with a venue to meet and discuss different cultural backgrounds. There were many performing groups, which ranged from Bollywood to Maori.
Following a recent award of £4.1million funding for Crossrail, officers will be delivering a programme of works that will improve accessibility to the three stations in the borough in time for the 2019 Crossrail launch. A series of interventions to the surrounding environments of each station will see improvements implemented that will include tactile paving ramps, step free access to station forecourts and plazas and new seating where appropriate.
Objective 5. Develop a diverse workforce that can respond to the needs of all our customer
A task and finish group on Reasonable Adjustments (RAs) in the workplace was set up in January 2015 to review the Council’s RAs policy and procedure. As part of the work of this group a number of improvements were made to ensure that the Council’s RAs arrangements were consistent and effective. The group also made recommendations that were approved by CDMG and will be incorporated in the 2015-16 Single Equality Scheme Action Plan.
A Management Development Programme was set up to improve competency levels for the Council’s managers, so they can provide better support for the workforce, whilst paying closer attention to learning needs/ performance management of employees. A total of 370 managers attended the five day programme, with an additional 10 HR Advisors attending a ‘lite’ two day course.
A review programme of Human Resources (HR) policies and procedures commenced. Officers will ensure that any possible detriment to employees who have protected characteristics is identified and addressed. OneSource HR and Organisational Development staff in Havering and Newham councils will work together to revise existing and develop new policies based on emerging employment law e.g. Shared Parental Leave. Issues around the impact of revised or new HR policies and procedures will be discussed with Trade Unions at the Corporate Consultative and Negotiating Forum (CCNF) and in small policy development groups.
All revised and new HR policies and procedures will be subject to scrutiny by the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) Policy Group and the Unison Black Workers Group before final versions are produced, to ensure that the impact of revised and new HR policies and procedures takes into account the potential impact on staff with protected characteristics and that this is mitigated against.
Objective 6. Embedding equalities into business as usual
E&D is part of the remit of the Corporate Policy and Diversity team that is responsible for:
o Advising on Council’s statutory duties under the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant legislation
o Ensuring the Council is compliant with legislation and follows best practice o Advising on any E&D related queries and issues regarding both service users and staff members o Producing and overseeing the Council’s Single Equality Scheme and Action Plan o Designing, delivering and commissioning E&D related training o Supporting EIAs and report writers to assess the equality implications and risks of their decisions, enabling decision-makers to make informed and evidence-based decisions o Supporting CDMG and the task and finish groups o Managing The Language Shop translation and interpreting service for Havering and attending quarterly Steering Groups and Performance Monitoring meetings of East London Solutions Partnership.
Over the past year the team has focused on mainstreaming the E&D agenda into all core processes of business while maintaining a high-profile corporate E&D function that meets the needs of customers and employees.
A new governance structure for E&D was set up utilising cross-service task and finish groups to focus on key equality related issues and recommend Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed actions for improvement. Recommendations were taken to CDMG for approval and will be incorporated in the 2015-16 Single Equality Scheme Action Plan.
The ‘Fair to all’ training programme ran 18 sessions from April 2014 to March 2015. This covered 10 RAs sessions, four Mental Health Awareness sessions and four Learning Disability Awareness sessions. In total, the Council provided:
o 145 staff with RAs training o 22 staff with Mental Health Awareness training o 65 staff with Learning Disability Awareness training o 58 staff completed the e-module on Disability o 24 staff members from the PASC and other frontline services attended a package of courses on Disability Confidence, Deaf Awareness and basic BSL interpreting.
It also included generic E&D training. 10 E&D training sessions were held between April 2014 to March 2015, and 289 staff were provided with face-to- face and theatre based training. Bespoke training on E&D and Unconscious Bias were also delivered to 20 Corporate Leadership Team members and 16 Councillors. I attended both the staff and Councillors’ E&D training sessions.
The team carried out a comprehensive training needs analysis of the 2014-15 training offer which informed the 2015-16 ‘Fair to all’ training programme.
All Cabinet and committee reports consider relevant Equality and Social Inclusion implications. The EIA template, which is used to inform decision- making, was communicated to services through mechanisms such as the
Policy & Strategy Development Framework. In 2014-15 financial year, the Corporate Policy & Diversity team provided support and/or comments on:
o 97 EIAs, and o 197 decision reports (Cabinet and committee reports and Executive decisions).
The 2015-16 budget proposals approved by Cabinet and full Council in February 2014 were supported by a cumulative impact assessment which was carried out on the whole package of proposals as well as individual EIAs on each separate proposal.
Incidents and reports of hate crimes were addressed through the monthly anti-social behaviour panels and community MARACs, ensuring that all incidents were met with a multi-agency response and dealt with thoroughly.
ANNUAL REPORT OF
THE CHAMPION FOR THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE MEMBER CHAMPION FOR HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT 2014/15
I am pleased to present my first report to Council as heritage champion, and hope that you find it interesting - I am always open to advice and suggestions, so please feel free to come and speak to me at any time.
Heritage is a wide subject, and is all around us. Sometimes we can see something every day, and not realise the significance of it. I suppose most of us use Main Road to get here - outside the flats, near Pettis Avenue, there is an ordinary looking red pillar box - but look at the royal coat of arms - they are of Edward the 8th, who owing to his short time as King before he abdicated did not have many pillar boxes made in his reign - this is the only one in the RM post-code.
Listed Buildings
Havering is blessed with many listed buildings, and of these, only 12 are on the English heritage at risk register. This compares very favourably with the other London Boroughs.
Of the 12, 7 still need action taken to remove them from the list, but 6 are privately owned, and although discussions are being taken with the owners, progress is slow.
The only Local Authority owned building which is still causing concern is Bretons, and I aim to make this my priority next year.
5 buildings, have had funding allocated, and are in the process of being restored. These include Rainham Hall, and the Stable Block, now turned into a café to serve the hall - a fantastic project, mainly run by volunteers, with the gardens transformed and hall re-furbished, it is very well worth a visit.
Parklands Bridge, which has been on-going since 2003, has finally received all its funding, and is being returned to how it should be at this moment - when finished,. Parklands Bridge in Parklands Park is built on the site of the Gaynes Estate in the historical manor of Gaynes that existed prior to the Norman conquest. It is a Grade II listed building designed by the architect James Paine. The bridge survives from the 18th century when an existing mansion was rebuilt on the Gaynes Estate by Sir James Esdaile (also designed by James Paine). The Bridge is currently being restored .
Restoration works taking place on Parklands Bridge
When complete, all defective and non-original materials will have been removed and the original features restored. In addition, the very muddy path leading to it from Corbets Tey Road will be tastefully resurfaced, and a pond-dipping area will be included for the children who attend Corbets Tey School. The children here have learning difficulties, but they really enjoy pond-dipping, so this will be a very welcome addition
Lastly, Havering's iconic building which was on our Olympic badge, Upminster Windmill, received funding from Heritage lottery .Working with the Upminster Windmill Trust, the Council received £1.4m Heritage Lottery Funding and £250K funding from Veolia North Thames Trust for the Upminster Windmill Heritage Site Project, which will see a new Heritage and Education Centre built and the Windmill restored. Works on the Heritage and Education Centre are due to start later in 2015, with the whole project due to be completed by December 2018. The Friends of Upminster Windmill and Upminster Windmill Preservation Trust are heavily involved in the project and some of the lighter restoration work, work to the grounds and historical interpretation will be undertaken by volunteers themselves. I am sure the end result will be well worth the wait.
Upminster Windmill Conservation Areas
Conservation areas are areas that have significance for our heritage - a site where there is a number of listed buildings together, or which makes a contribution towards our history. They can be of any size or shape and are agreed by our Cabinet. Once agreed, then any planning applications must be in keeping with the area, of quality design, and different rules, for example the finishing date when a new build can be made.
We have 11 such areas in Havering - all were reviewed in 2009, though some of the work recommended has not taken place. I will be addressing this next year. This work is mainly the adding to our local list of additional buildings - at present we have not replaced the heritage officer who left at the beginning of the year, so this work cannot currently take place - but the job is being advertised.
Most of our 11 conservation areas have societies, or organisations who are involved with their well-being, or at least people who keep an eye on them. The only one which gives cause for concern at present is Romford Town, the one on the English Heritage list of being at risk, and I am delighted to say that a new civic society has been set up, to take care of it. I think these people should be supported as much as possible.
Local List
As well as our official listed buildings; we also have a local list, which lists buildings of local interest, which, though not quite good enough to be actually listed, still make a contribution to our heritage. Anyone can nominate a building for this purpose, so please let me know of any in your ward.
Parks
We have 3 historic parks in Havering - Raphael's, Langton's and a much smaller one in Upminster, Clockhouse I am delighted to say that both Raphael and Langton's have been successful in lottery bids, Raphael's was restored last year, and looks magnificent, and Langton's is being restored at the moment. Hopefully Clockhouse will get the attention that it needs in the very near future.
The Fountain in Raphael’s Park Hornchurch Country Park Visitor Centre
Working with Essex Wildlife Trust, a new visitor centre will open in Hornchurch Country Park later in 2015. Funded by Veolia North Thames Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the centre will feature an observation hall, wildlife and heritage education opportunities and activities, café, retail area, toilets and will have panoramic views over the River Ingrebourne valley and marshes.
The park is an important area for Water Vole, several species of butterfly and dragonfly, and numerous birds, among them Lapwing, Kingfisher, Bittern, Bearded Tit and Cetti’s Warbler. Hornchurch Country Park is also the site of the former Sutton’s Farm airfield, which later became RAF Hornchurch, an airfield that played a famous and vital role in the defence of London in the First and Second World Wars.
Forums
There are three forums which cover heritage matters, the parks forum, which meets once a year in March, and the Culture and Heritage Forums, which meets quarterly. These are all very successful events, and are an opportunity to all to find out what is going on in the borough
War Memorials
To commemorate the 100 anniversary of WWI the borough's five key war memorials in Romford, Harold Hill, Rainham, Hornchurch and Upminster were refurbished or repaired. I was able to attend a very moving service at the Rainham war memorial, where the history of the memorials was heard.
Re-dedication of Rainham War Memorial
Local Studies and Family History Centre
Our local studies library certainly proved its worth, with the research it does into our heritage, to back up funding bids, thus saving us thousands of pounds.
Visitors and Enquiries This department of the Library Service has dealt with over 3,000 visitors and answered hundreds of enquiries by telephone, email or letter.
Schools
Eight of the Borough’s schools have visited Local Studies or have been visited by the Local History Librarian, including Gidea Park Primary School who he ran sessions with for the whole school during their Local History Week.
Digitisation and Volunteers
Our two digitisation projects Romford-the birth and death of a Victorian Town funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund and Rainham – a village by the Thames funded by Veolia North Thames Trust were concluded during the year. 1,000s of images and documents are now viewable via the library catalogue. Our volunteers, who worked with the department on these projects, have continued to assist as we continue to digitise more of the collection.
The Family History Senior Library Assistant ran a 10 week course for Family History Volunteers between April 2014 and June 2014 and ran four Ancestry workshops at Hornchurch Library
The Hornchurch Cinema in the 1920s. This later became the first Queens Theatre
Exhibitions
The major exhibition for the year was Home Front Havering – launched in partnership with the Havering Museum and the Heritage Lottery Fund in August and running until November 2014. The display continues to be used for events and activities.
Home Front Havering Exhibition
Also launched to commemorate the centenary of the First World War was the on- going First World War Online Diary Home Front Havering which documents life in Havering each month 100 years ago. Related to this, the Local History Librarian took part in a BBC London News television feature about the Artists Rifles and Hare Hall, now the Royal Liberty School, which was broadcast in August 2014.
Example of the online entry from the Home Front Havering Diary
The display Havering War Memorials was used at the event to mark the refurbishment of Havering Council’s war memorials at Rainham.
In September 2014 Collier Row Library celebrated its 50th anniversary and the department prepared an exhibition about the history of the branch library and its development since the 1930s.
Throughout the year the glassed display area next to the Local Studies room has shown a varied range of items from our collection. The service continues to support the Havering Museum’s exhibitions programme and this year loaned Luis Burleigh Bruhl’s 1891 oil painting of Romford Market for their Market exhibition.
Film
The major Heritage Lottery Fund project with other London Boroughs and Film London London – a bigger picture had its Havering launch in November. An audience of 40 people attended to view films already in our collection and the hope
is that we will add to this collection using old film footage that members of the public might have over the next three years.
The films I saw were quite fascinating. They showed how people have altered over the years, where we used to stroll around slowly, and not now always seem to be rushing on a mobile phone
Talks and Other Promotions
As part of the Romford-the birth and death of a Victorian Town project the department held a reminiscence and open day on July 23rd. This was a great success with over 60 people attending over the course of the day. A second Open Day in January 2015 saw 100 people visit the department and talks about Digitising the collection, Harold Hill, Georgian Havering and the First World War as well as two sessions of films proved a great attraction. We hope to continue this in the future.
Members of the public enjoying the Open day in Local Studies
The Local History Librarian continues to attend the Historic Environment Forum and has given talks about the service to Havering U3A, Chadwell Heath Historical Society and the Hornchurch and District Historical Society.
Libraries
Our libraries also play their part, in encourage school visits to the libraries, with the aim of showing our children pictures of our heritage, with the thought that if we can teach them to appreciate it at a young age, then the respect will last.
The Library Service has developed a new History and Heritage App that used augmented reality to create 3D images of buildings, monuments and memorable events throughout Havering’s rich historic heritage, from the Town Hall to the unique
diver sculpture by John Kaufman, the only standing sculpture in the River Thames. The App is free to download to android devices.
The new Rainham Library, jointly funded by Havering Council and the Greater London Authority, opened in July 2014. The stylish, modern and fully-equipped new Library has around 3,000 more books than the previous Library in Rainham. It also has purpose built meeting rooms that are available for the public to hire, two new SMART tables, more computers, a dedicated IT suite and more study space.
The largest meeting room also has a unique floor, which cleverly depicts key historic landmarks in the village in a giant map, giving visitors a fun way to learn about the village. Indeed, Rainham Village is one of the most significant historic villages in the region, with roots going back to its role as a major centre in the Saxon period and important evidence of settlement from periods well before that. The Library has proved to be a very popular facility that attracts a large number of high profile authors and public speakers
Archaeology
We were lacking in a local Archaeology group, but this has now been addressed, and one, a sub-group of Upminster Windmill has been formed, and held its first AGM in June - the old buildings which were around the mill have been excavated, and a very surprising discovery of a well was found - no-one knew it was there, the old steam plant has also been uncovered, and is now of interest to English Heritage.
Open House
Havering continues to be involved with the open house project each year in September, where our mayor old buildings are open for view by the public - I hope that all of you take advantage of this, and visit those around you.
Discover ME The Discover Me Website is a partnership project between several heritage sites in Havering, Thurrock, Barking and Dagenham and Redbridge. The project started as a small scale marketing project in the summer of 2014, but the group grew and applied for a Start Up Grant from the Heritage Lottery Find (HLF) for marketing support. The result was the new website and much closer partnership working between the heritage sites who are now looking at expanding the network and other cross promotional methods. The website is http://discoverme.london/ I will be checking on the progress that this group makes with great interest.
Fairkytes Arts Centre Improvements
There has been investment in Fairkytes Arts Centre in Hornchurch, including a new Bar in the Annex. These improvements are contributing towards the success of the live music programme that now runs from Fairkytes Arts Centre on a regular basis and includes small local acts to larger artists.
Next year
There is still lots to do. I have spent most of this year reading conservation area reports, making contacts, seeing officers and generally checking what needs to be done. The engagement of a new heritage officer is a must.
I have enjoyed my first year as your Champion for the Historic Environment and am looking forward to the next - can I please ask any of you who have questions, advice queries etc. about heritage matters to contact me, Thank you.
ANNUAL REPORT OF
THE CHAMPION FOR the OVER 50’S
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE MEMBER CHAMPION FOR OVER 50’s - March – July 2015
I was elected as the Champion for the Over 50’s in March 2015 and this report covers the period from my election to the present day.
The London Borough of Havering has the highest proportion of residents over the age of 65 in London estimated at 45,340 people, which is approximately 18.5 per cent of the total Havering population (244,729). It is vital that this age group stays as active and independent for as long as possible.
To this end, The London Borough of Havering developed a new programme for older people, to help them stay healthy and play an active role in the community, called “Active Living”.
Officially launched in March 2013, in broad terms, the Active Living programme is made up of four key parts:
Social - Helping to improve social opportunities for older adults, meeting new friends and trying out new activities. Healthy - Expanding the opportunities to get fit and active, from gentle exercise classes, and walks, to the provision of free swimming for the over 50s at off peak times. Supported - Making sure that everyone has someone they can turn to for a chat, advice or help around the house. This includes befriending, providing training and support for volunteers to visit isolated people. Involved - This will provide local people with many more opportunities to volunteer and get involved in their local communities.
Active Living is delivered by Havering Citizens Advice Bureau in partnership with the Council. To date the project has achieved:
Volunteer Recruitment – 122 volunteers
One Pot Cooking project: Introducing cookery workshops offering demonstrations on how to cook a healthy and nutritious low cost meal by using one pot.
Working in partnership with the Love Food Hate Waste team, Active Living delivered 6 successful cooking events held between April 2014 – March 2015, with up to 20-25 older people attending each session.
Social Hubs: The project aims tackle social isolation by engaging with the 50+ in their local community through hosting informal coffee mornings. The hubs offer a
safe and friendly venue where people can come along and find out what is going on in the local area.
Elm Park Community Association Friday Drop In Coffee Morning launched Friday 7th March, 2014, every Friday morning 10-12pm. 4 Volunteers were recruited to run the social hub. These volunteers have developed a successful ‘drop in’ coffee morning that has steadily increased the number of people ‘popping in’ since it opened.
Silverlinx group: This club run at the Salvation Army Centre, Romford offers lonely and isolated people a place to socialise, make crafts and have lunch. A further 6 satellite groups were set up in various Sheltered Housing Schemes across Havering between May 14 – February 15.
Social Groups: 2 social groups run by volunteers: Di’s Diamonds & Friends Circle, provide a free e-newsletter containing the many activities that residents can become involved in across the Borough.
A volunteer led Ten Pin Bowling Club meets monthly at the Brewery.
Techy Tea project. The project aims to engage with residents over 50 who require digital technology support around the use of mobile/iPhone/smart phones or ipads/tablets/laptops etc. Volunteers, who have digital technology ability, offer their services voluntary to improve the skills of the less technology minded. The project aims to provide a free skill exchange in informal surroundings over a cup of tea/coffee at various locations across the Borough.
A successful pilot session held in August 14 involved the Havering Youth Council and 12 residents and an intergenerational skill exchange took part of digital technology guidance and knitting & crafting.
A partnership has also been established with Nat West bank Romford branch who are providing monthly Techy Tea sessions, every 3rd Thursday of each month between 10-12pm , Nat West staff run the session for local residents. The Police have also been sending representatives along to these sessions.
Older Persons Champions: 10 older people have come forward to disseminate a variety of relevant information around the Borough.
Event: Successful ‘Keep Health, Warm and Safe’ event took place at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch in November 14. This event provided information, advice and guidance to residents.
Over 50s Forum: External funding grant of £2490.00 secured for the group. This will provide a laptop, programmes and a projector for their outreach sessions.
A new comprehensive contract for an information and advice service for older people has just been awarded and will go live in September 2015. The plan is to take this service into community locations to enable easy access. This project is aimed at ensuring ready access to a full range of support to enable people and families to take control and make well informed decisions about options for their care.
A compendium of news and events is produced by the “Active Living “team and residents are able to register online to receive this bulletin.
There remains a question mark over the future funding of the Active Living Project and in the forthcoming year, it will be one of my priorities to seek further support for this vital project.
The Safer Neighbourhood Board funded a theatre group drama production on the risks of being a victim of Scamming, which is unfortunately rife in society and it is older people who are often the victims. This production as been taken into around a dozen groups, many for the over 50s, and has been seen by 550 people. There are plans to continue with this if funding for 2015/16 is approved. The response from audiences has been very positive and regarded as an effective method of getting this important message across.
Help with Leaving Hospital
Strategy and Commissioning have recently commissioned the British Red Cross to provide a service which will assist and help people who are discharged from Queen’s Hospital.
Queen’s Hospital is under a lot of pressure to discharge patients as soon as they ready to. This can sometimes mean there is no time offer practical and emotional support and prepare people to leave. When people do return home, particularly when they live alone, they may not have everything they need such as food and drink or help with certain tasks. This can then lead to re-admissions to hospital due to not being able to manage.
The aim of this service is to provide both practical and emotional support for people leaving hospital to make sure they have everything they need. British Red Cross have experience of delivering this service in other areas and they currently provide low levels of support to Havering residents to prevent them needing to visit hospital in the first place. It is hoped that in providing help and assistance to people leaving Queen’s Hospital, it will reduce delays, reduce re-admission and reduce the number of expensive care packages that are required to support people at home after leaving hospital.
This service was set up at the end of last year to help alleviate some of the pressure caused by winter. The service will run until 2016 and Strategy and Commissioning are closely monitoring the impact it is having.
Responding to Falls
When someone falls over and is unable to get up the usual procedure is to call an ambulance. The problem is that the London Ambulance Service cannot always respond as quickly as they would like due to the pressure they are under or through having a number of other calls to respond to which are of a higher priority. This can result in people that have fallen being left in the position they have fallen in for a considerable time.
To resolve this problem the London Ambulance Service, in partnership with the Community Treatment Team, have set up a 999 emergency response service for residents over 65 that have fallen in their own home. The response vehicle is staffed by a paramedic and a nurse.
The aim of the service is to assess and treat people at home rather than them having to be conveyed to the Emergency Department.
Over 65’s Consultation Project
This initiative was launched in January 2010 to ascertain the needs of residents over 65 in the Borough and make people aware of the variety of services available to them from the Council and partner agencies.
The project utilised volunteers to engage with the neediest residents in the borough who would not normally seek assistance or engage in social activities.
The project proved very successful and reached many people. In the next year, I would like to explore the possibility of reviving this initiative and have already held positive discussions with Tapestry to explore opportunities for collaborative working. It is extremely important that we establish the needs of this group and increase awareness of services and organisations open to the vulnerable and needy older people in our borough. I will work with Adult Social Services on this to compliment the work they have commenced
The Strategy and Commissioning team have launched a social inclusion project. The purpose of the project is to look at the impact loneliness and isolation has on people’s health and what can be done to address this.
To lead this project a senior occupational therapist has been seconded to the team. The project will focus on residents who currently receive care and support from the Council who are lonely and isolated and will look at ways to address this by linking them in with existing activities and groups in the community. This project will also establish a forum which will bring together key stakeholders such as Social Care,
Health, Public Health and Housing to identify the needs of the wider community and develop ways to prevent people becoming lonely and isolated.
This project is in the early stage but when complete the learning and benefits from this project will be shared and rolled out more widely.
Havering Over 50’s Forum
I have attended meetings of the Havering Over 50’s Forum regularly and taken away a number of individual cases from the Forum concerning housing and care issues. I am pleased to say that these matters have been resolved and feel it is an important part of my role as Champion for the Over 50’s that I maintain links with this group and act as an effective intermediary for individuals that have on-going cases with Council services.
The Havering Over 50’s Forum invites speakers to attend meetings, most recently Dr Sandi who spoke about the proposed developments on the St George’s hospital site and the plans to make it a centre of excellence for the care of the elderly.
Social trips are also a regular feature of the Over 50’s Forum calendar and most recently, there have been outings to Whitstable, the factory which makes Remembrance Day poppies and Cribbs’ Farm to see the horse drawn carriages.
Councillor Linda Van den Hende
ANNUAL REPORT OF
THE CHAMPION FOR THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE MEMBER CHAMPION FOR THE VOLUNTARY COMPACT SECTOR 2014/15
In my first year as Champion for the Voluntary Sector, I have attended several events and networked with local organisations and community groups.
I have attended two meetings of the Havering Association for People with Disabilities, and met with representatives from First Steps, MIND, Carer’s Trust and the YMCA.. In addition, I have also attended two Open days hosted by HAVCO and an event organised by the Havering Asian Social Welfare Association . In the next year, I intend to build upon these connections and liaise more closely with the Voluntary Sector organisations to identify their needs and act as an effective intermediary between these groups and the Council.
On 9 October 2014, the Council published a draft Voluntary Sector Strategy for consultation. An independent consultant was appointed to lead the consultation process which comprised of workshops, focus groups, one to one meetings and an opportunity to submit comments directly either to the Council’s consultant or to the Council itself. Over 116 people attended the workshops from a wide range of groups and the feedback was quite diverse in nature, reflecting the different levels of experience, needs and views in the sector. Despite this diversity, however, there were a number of ideas for action that were supported by a wide range of groups. Organisations saw the potential for real improvements in relationships between the Council and the sector and, to that end, wished to see a small number of realistic, clear and achievable actions on the part of the Council to achieve this. In particular the following key challenges were identified:
• Information and communication,
• Enabling innovation and forward planning, and
• Joint working / partnerships
Following the review, the Council, taking into account the feedback received, has revised the strategy and has developed an action plan to address a number of the issues raised by the voluntary & community sector.
Within the consultation responses, there was general support for the long term vision of the strategy to ensure that communities are resilient and supported by an effective and sustainable voluntary and community sector. There was also support for the overarching aims and outcomes which are as follows:
Aims:
1. To strengthen communities and to increase the effectiveness and impact of the voluntary sector so that it can support communities to be more resilient, by enabling neighbours, communities and families to support one another, and local people to take the lead on improving their local areas through voluntary action, and
2. To improve local voluntary sector capacity to deliver quality local services that people need, and that new types of services, which best meet people’s needs are developed with and by the sector (possibly through new models of delivery).
The four outcomes to be achieved through delivery of the strategy are that:
1. Communities will be resilient and self-supporting, reducing demand on public services and improving the quality of life of local people;
2. Capacity and skills in both the voluntary sector and the Council will be built up, to encourage enterprise and innovation within the voluntary sector and co- production of services that meet community needs;
3. There will be infrastructure support for the sector that is fit for purpose, and
4. The Council’s financial support to the sector will be targeted, transparent and deliver quality, tangible outcomes.
The report was considered by Cabinet on 17 June 2015 and the Voluntary Sector Strategy and Action plan was agreed. The action plan includes proposals and actions to:
• Increasing volunteering; • Improve communication; • Re-launch the Compact; • Re-commission infrastructure support • Promote and encourage the use of crowdfunding; • Promote the voluntary and community sector through Council communication channels; • Explore an employee giving scheme; • Put in place procedures for community rights granted under the Localism Act; • Develop a business giving initiative (and two local businesses are already engaged in supporting/offering support to the sector), and • Open up learning and development opportunities to the voluntary and community sector.
On Monday 8 June, there was a Crowdfunding Workshop, showing voluntary organisations in the borough a new way of raising money. Crowdfunding involves funding a project or venture by raising contributions from a large number of people, via the internet. For many organisations it offers a new way to finance their activities, while giving ordinary people a new way to donate to good causes. Those organisations attending learned how to run a successful fundraising campaign including how to deliver a successful pitch, how to communicate this and build a network of supporters.
Voluntary Sector organisations have been engaged in discussions and preparations for the introduction of the Care Act. Engagement has been through attendance at Care Act provider forums; through attendance at a workshop for bidders interested in the advice and information tender (which will establish 3 Community Hubs) and through engagement in the development of the Market Position Statement which is aimed at existing and potential providers of adult social care and support and sets out to:
sustain and improve dialogue with providers, people who use services, carers, and others stimulate a diverse, active market where innovation and energy is encouraged and rewarded
The Council are hosting two Business Continuity Workshops for the voluntary sector which will help organisations attending understand the risks they face, identify a strategy to support those risks and to develop an action plan to ensure the future smooth running of their operation.
In the past year, the Community Engagement Team raised £365,504.00 in external funding for a variety of community groups and projects, including funding towards the costs of running the Harold Hill food bank, support for the over 50’s forum and to support a number of community groups.
Mexican band and Maori dancers (below) perform at Cultural celebration at the Queen’s Theatre
In October 2014, the team worked in partnership with Havering BME Forum to host the 9th Community Cultural Celebration event at the Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch. The aim of the event was to bring together residents from all communities to celebrate and learn more about the rich and diverse cultures in our borough. The event provided a great opportunity to learn more about other cultures and to establish good relations amongst all the different communities represented. Visitors enjoyed a wide range of performers, including singers, musicians and dancers and activities for all ages including Henna, threading and sari wrapping and workshops.
The Mayor of Havering at International Women’s Day
In March 2015, the successful International Women’s Day event took place. The event, organized by Havering Council in partnership with Havering College, the Women’s Institute, HAVCO and Tapestry, was on held Saturday 7 March at Havering College of Further & Higher Education. There were a variety of interactive workshops and opportunities to learn about volunteering, taking up new activities or getting help with starting a small business. Outcomes achieved included 65 people expressing interest in volunteering, 10 people expressed an interest in energy switching to save money, 10 people were given support on CV writing, 2 people signed up to IT courses and 3 to the Work Club, 50 people were supported in using new technology and 23 people were given advice by the CAB.
Cookery workshop at International Women’s Day
During the year, the Community Engagement Team has continued to support a number of local community groups and associations across the borough, including Havering’s Friends of Parks Groups & Community Associations and the Mosque.
In partnership with HAVCO Volunteer Centre, the Council has hosted “Pick ‘n’ Mix events” which give Voluntary sector organisations the opportunity to raise awareness of their organisations and recruit volunteers. Twelve organisations promoted their services and volunteering opportunities at the last event and approximately 30 volunteers were recruited at the last two events.
Two notable achievements during the year have seen the establishment of social networking sessions with Havering Interfaith Forum and the production in partnership with Communications of the Active Living E-Bulletin. 2195 people are now signed up to receive that bulletin and it has high open rates.
ANNUAL REPORT OF
THE CHAMPION FOR YOUNGER PERSONS
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE MEMBER CHAMPION FOR YOUNGER PERSONS 2014/15
It is a real privilege for me to be able to present this report to the council. Since taking over as the Champion for Younger Persons, I have been very fortunate to meet so many wonderful young people and dedicated volunteers who see it as their duty to serve the community and help the most vulnerable in our society.
We should all be very proud of our young people in Havering. I look at those I have met over the last year and can say, without a doubt, that they are some of the kindest, most generous and hardworking people in our society.
I believe that we should all be looking to follow their example in our daily lives; their dedication and selflessness means the bar is set very high, and we are very proud of them.
Frances Bardsley Autism & Disabilities Club
One of the first events I attended after being elected Member Champion for Younger Persons was the FBA/RIEES Graduation Ceremony for Frances Bardsley Autism Ambassadors in the School Hall on Saturday 12th July 2014. The Leader, Councillor Melvin Wallace(representing the Mayor), other councillors and myself joined with over 140 guests and dignitaries in a day to celebrate and reflect upon the wonderful work the students had been doing over the year to help children with Autism. Eight Year 13 girls from Frances Bardsley received their accredited Leadership Development Course Certificates from the representative of Her Majesty the Queen, Deputy Lieutenant of Havering Colonel Markham Bryant. The girls also received special 2014 Autism Awards from Andrew Rosindell MP for sacrificing their Saturdays to work with 18-24 year old young people with autism at the RIEES Autism Club in Romford.
The Autism and Disabilities Club is based in the Sixth Form at the Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls in Brentwood Road in Romford. The Leadership & Development course started in September 2013 and covered key aspects, including compassionate leadership and team building. FBA sixth formers volunteer with the RIEES Autism Club as part of the course.
The highlights of the day included a performance by SweetChix, the girl group, (featuring two FBA students Rebecca Wallace and Jessica Ali in the line-up) who were afterwards presented with a special award to their Manager Natalie, appointing the group ‘Celebrity Autism Ambassadors,’ for the RIEES Charity in Romford .
There was also a moving dance presentation led by Christobel Ogunleye of Year 8 with the FBA Autism Ambassadors and the young people with autism. Rebecca Hawkins of Year 9 recited her composition on autism from ‘Autism the Album.’
The Album was launched in 2013and was the first ever compilation music album for autism in the United Kingdom. MPs in the House of Commons personally handed a copy of ‘Autism – The Album’ to Prime Minister David Cameron. One MP said: ‘I hope he (the Prime Minister) will enjoy it as much as I did.’ MPs have also been playing the CD in their offices in Westminster.
FBA students received high praise from the Prime Minister in a letter from 10 Downing Street which stated that 'The talent of the inspiring young musicians who have contributed to the compilation is evident.' The Prime Minister sent the FBA girls his best wishes.
This year the Autism & Disabilities Club organized the first ever Autism Sunday Art Exhibition at the Havering Autism Sunday Service at St. Alban’s Church, Romford, in February – the paintings were drawn by young people with autism. The centre piece of the exhibition was the beautiful pilgrimage painting – the message behind the painting is that every single child and adult with autism is special, their lives have worth and value and we celebrate them individually.
Add +Up
The Mayor of Havering chose Add+Up as one of her Charities in 2014/15 and I went along to meet with the organisation and learn first-hand about the work they do with families of children who suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder.
I was very impressed with the range of services that the organisation provides, from helping individual families to running courses for teachers in order to raise public and professional awareness of the ADHD. I hope to meet with Add +Up again during the next twelve months and attend some of their events.
Youth and Democracy Havering Asks
This event is run in partnership between Havering Council and Havering College. It features a BBC Question Time themed panel debate show. The event forms part of the formal assessment for students from the College in the following disciplines: o Media students film and set manage o Beauty students do make-up o Photography students cover event as press photographers The event has run for four years and 150 students from local schools and colleges were in the audience. For the first time in 2014/15, the event was streamed live over YouTube and feedback from the audience and Panel was very positive.
Panellists for “Havering Asks” event: Roger Evans AM – Chair of GLA,Cllr. Ian De Wulverton – UKIP Councillor, Haras Rafiq – Managing Director of anti-extremist think tank Quilliam, Mike Le-Surf – Labour Candidate for South Basildon and East Thurrock and Roisin Roberston – GreenPeace
Democracy Engagement Lessons
In December 2014, approximately 90 Business Studies and Public Services students from Havering College attended two separate lessons which included speeches from Cllr Dervish and myself on why we became involved in politics. We spoke about our experience as politicians and gave some reasons as to why we would encourage young people to participate in politics locally and nationally.
The lessons covered all aspects of youth engagement in the political process and how people can participate in politics. We gave an overview of the political system, the different levels and the roles of local representatives and what the work entails. The feedback from the College was very positive.
The Youth Council and Youth Parliament met with Cllr Joshua Chapman on Wednesday January 14th 2015 to discuss ‘Raise the Wage Campaign’ which was voted on by Members of Youth Parliament at the House of Common on November 14th 2014. It was a very inspiring meeting.
Join the Debate
Members of the Youth Council and Youth Parliament attended My Place (Harold Hill) with other young people for Join the Debate Event. See attached flyer. Romford YMCA CEO Dave Ball opened the Hustings debate on Thursday 23rd April 2015, Councillors on the panel were:
Ian Sanderson - Liberal Democrats Paul McGeary - Labour Lawrence Webb – UKIP Melanie Collins – Green Party Andrew Boff - Conservative
Young people from Havering questioned local politicians on matters that concerned them
Q1: How will you help young people with housing when the costs are so high? Q2: What will you be doing for young people in regards to education and funding? Q3: What interventions will you deliver to support young people with alcohol and drugs? Q4: Will you be removing housing benefit for 18-21 year olds? Q5: I am proud to come from a multicultural society, what are your views? Q6: Why should we vote for you?
The debate was lively and informative
Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge Drapers Academy hosted the Havering Regional Final 7th May 2015 and what a fantastic evening of really inspiring and courageous speeches from young people across the borough. 1st pave went to Harry Demmon from The Chafford School 2nd place went to Thomas Stansfield from Sanders School 3rd place went to Billy Wison from Campion School Well done to all the contestants.
Techy Teas Project
Overview/Aim
The project aims to engage with members 50+ and Havering Youth Council members through a pilot intergenerational event. Through skills exchange training older people to use mobile phones and tablets. The younger people wanted to learn knitting, and stories from the older people about their youth.
Pilot event went ahead 11th August 2014 at Robert Beard Centre
The older people brought their mobile phones and tablets that they were unable to utilise to their full capacity. The younger people showed them how to work the devices. The older people bought along knitting needles and wool to help the younger people learn new skills. There was also an opportunity for the younger people to ask questions about the older people’s youth.
“Very interesting speaking to teenagers who have been brought up with IT. Their skills are amazing” age 68 years
“It’s been an eye opening experience. Because it’s great to see the other technological world from other people’s eyes” Member of Youth Parliament age 15
“I so enjoyed learning candy crush and moving around the internet” age 77 yrs.
Youth Council supported with another event in October Half Term 2014 at Tesco Roneo Corner. Half of the young people supported the older generation in the community room and the others supported on the shop floor with Tesco Charity Champion with Diabetes Awareness.
BYC Convention [1]: London, South East and East of England 2015
Saturday 6th June 2015 from 10:15am to 4:30pm Westminister School, London
What is a BYC Convention?
BYC Conventions are the only national events for youth councillors and youth representatives across the UK. These one day events held in the summer across the UK are designed to inspire and support young people to change their world, whether that's making a positive change within their local communities, taking part in a national campaign or tackling a global issue.
Member of Youth Parliament and Youth Council from Havering attended the convention with 2 workers. It was a great day with an inspirational speaker from ‘youngminds’ http://www.youngminds.org.uk/ the voice of young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The British Youth Council launched the Mental Health Campaign – calling for improved and consistent offer of services across the country.
Disability Awareness joint event between Youth Council and Youth Service
Young People from Havering Youth Council, Blast Beat and Amps to join together to complete a set of ordinary daily tasks either wheelchair bound or wearing customized gloves (without thumbs) in a bid to recreate what it may feel like to have a disability. The wheel chairs were provided by Havering’s Inpatients and Fragility Directorate. The groups raised money for a Charity in Havering for young people with disabilities.
Young people attended workshops and planning for Make Your Mark Campaign 2015
Last Autumn term over 875,000 secondary school pupils took part in a national ballot, Make your Mark. This ballot decides what Members of the UK Youth Parliament (MYPs) should debate and vote on to be their campaign for the year ahead. MYPs have previously debated in the House of Commons Chamber in mid- November, subject to a vote by MPs in the new Parliament we are hopeful of this again this year. This year’s target is 1,000,000 votes. Havering have participated in Make Your Mark and have started planning this year’s campaign and visits to schools. Last November 2 members of Havering’s Youth Parliament attended the House of Commons to debate and vote.
MYP Havering on left, MYP Greenwich on the right Community safety - Junior Citizen Scheme
The London Borough of Havering’s first Junior Citizens event was held at the Territorial Army centre in Romford in July 2014. The project was funded by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) in order to provide safety advice to Primary-School leavers the summer before they start secondary school. A number of partners from the local authority and across London came together to provide 2 weeks of scenarios aimed at providing a hands on approach to safety in situations attendees may encounter.
Several agencies took part, including the Metropolitan Police, havering Council, the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, Crime Reduction Initiatives, Young Addaction and UK Power Networks. Each partner provided a 10 – 12 minute scenario on a range of different topics.
The Junior Citizen scheme was created out of a desire to educate young people at a crucial point in their educational and social development, right before the move into Secondary School. Migration into Havering, as a result of the welfare reforms, has meant that Havering has started to experience many inner London problems. These new problems within the Borough mean having to find new and diverse ways of tackling them.
The young people participating in the events needed information and advice around scenarios they would likely be facing for the first time when they transitioned from Primary School to Secondary School. Some of the areas identified were; safe travel on transport, malicious communications (Facebook, texts, Snapchat), drugs and road safety, amongst others.
For many of the participating students it would be the first time for many travelling alone, either by walking, by bus or by train and guidance around this was offered. It was also accepted that it was likely for the students to face more exposure to drugs at secondary school than at any point in their lives up to this point.
It was decided that the best opportunity to offer early advice in this would be through a junior citizen type event. Many surrounding boroughs and local authorities already hold Junior Citizen Events; it was through scoping exercises that these events were identified and Havering created its own.
Havering was able to learn from Barking and Dagenham about identifying a location and suitable partners and worked in conjunction with the metropolitan police. The junior citizen ‘brand’ was simple to build from and adapt to Havering’s needs around target audience, partners and political buy in.
This year’s event will take place between the 22 - 3rd July 2015.
Harold Hill Doorstep Sports Club The Harold Hill Doorstep Sports Club launched in October Half Term at Central Park Leisure Centre. Doorstep Sports Clubs provide a vibrant and varied sporting opportunity to young people in disadvantaged communities that is designed to grow their motivation and ability to adopt a sporting habit for life. Activities include basketball, football, dodgeball and girls-only activities. Basketball in particular is very popular with many more young people getting involved in the sport. A new Havering Thunder Basketball Club was set up and the Boys Basketball team achieved their best result ever at the London Youth Games in 2015.
Holiday Activities
The Council runs activities for young people during the half term, Easter and the Summer holidays. These include sports, arts and youth events; from cupcake making, drama workshops and clay modelling to street dance, Fifa tournaments and off-ice skating. Activities are run for both children and teenagers from various locations across the borough.
Fairkytes Live
The development of the Fairkytes Arts Centre Annex into a live music venue has enabled lots of young people to showcase their talents. Various events such as the ‘Battle of the Bands’ in May 2014 and ‘Fairkytes Unsigned’ in March 2015 have enabled young people to complete and perform in front of live audiences. Other open Mic nights have been aimed at all age groups, with many young people in attendance. Various other events are programmed at Fairkytes Live for the rest of the year.
Looking for Liam, a professional Indie band playing at Fairkytes Live
Social Media
A Havering Youth twitter feed has been set up, and has attracted around 995 followers in less than a year. The Music School Twitter feed, also set up a year ago (@haveringmusic) has nearly 912 followers. In addition, The Havering Youth YouTube channel, was set up in April 2014, highlighting our youth music, sports and arts activities.
50th anniversary Robert Beard Youth Centre
On the 28th February the Robert Beard Centre celebrated its 50th Anniversary. The celebrations included fun and games such as nostalgic side-show games and competitions organized by young people and other users of the building. Music and entertainment was be provided by members of The Robert Beard from all eras. Lots of people attended the event from far and wide, including young people who currently use the centre and those that remember attending youth events years ago. Members of Robert Beard’s family were also present to mark the anniversary.
London Youth Games
Havering’s success at the London Youth Games has continued in 2015. As well as Havering Hurricanes success in Basketball, in the School’s Shield Coopers’ Company and Coborn took gold in the badminton, Redden Court’s girls’ team won silver in the volleyball finals at the University of East London and Upminster Juniors secured a bronze in tag rugby. St Edward’s Primary School won silver in the mini water polo, while Rise Park Primary School won bronze in the mixed football.
The result of the tournament so far came in the Para Sport competition, where Havering’s Boccia team, Thomas Mundon, Rafferty Eastwood and Alfie Hayes, came through a tense finale to retain their title for the second year running. Boccia is a sport for disabled athletes, who throw red and blue leather balls as close as possible to a white target jack with their hands, feet or, if the competitor's disability is severe, an assistive device.
The London Youth Games team also secured a £5000 sponsorship package from Everyone Active this year, helping pay for kits, transport, and training facilities.
CityRead
This year’s CityRead book (annual event in April) was Rivers of London (a witty mix of magic and police procedural) by Ben Aaronovitch. A number of events were held at Havering Libraries related to this supernatural book including a traditional Punch and Judy Show, Spooky edibles cupcake making session and a craft event. City Read is a London wide annual initiative to get people reading. It is supported by Arts Council England and run from Libraries across the borough.
Havering Music School’s Young Musician of the Year Final (HMS) – May 2015
The final of this annual competition was held in May, where instrumentalists and singers from grade six standard and above, and composers in academic year nine or above, showcase their talents. In preparation for the competition, young musicians get the chance to work with professional musicians from The Royal Opera House in a workshop. The most impressive performers are then nominated to go forward and perform in the Finalists' Concert, after which the winners are announced. This year Stephen Payne (French horn, Coopers' Company & Coborn School) won the overall title.
Havering Music School new Website
Havering Music School has made it even easier for people to find out about its work by launching a new, user-friendly website. The Music School’s highly experienced tutors teach over 3,500 students every week across Havering. Their aim is to help budding musicians develop musical skills and cultivate self-expression and confidence through their music making.
The new website, with its simple and effective design, allows people to find out about the range of instruments that students can learn to play, along with information about ensembles and fees - all at the click of a button. The site is easy to use whether you are proficient with computers, or just beginning online.
The Music School offers tuition to young people in schools and colleges and at its Saturday and Weekday Music Centres. It has established partnerships with organizations such as the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Opera House and the London Chamber Orchestra, giving students exciting opportunities to further their musical career.